Edward French, born in 1959, is a lifelong resident of Eastport, Maine, with a deep-rooted history in commercial fishing. His first involvement in the industry was as a crew member on a herring carrier, and he later ventured into tub trawling and scalloping on his own during the summer and fall seasons. In addition to his hands-on experience in the fisheries, French has also covered the industry for the local newspaper, Quoddy Tides. His insights into the community, its history, and its relationship with the fishing industry provide a unique perspective on the changes and challenges Eastport has faced over the years.

Scope and Content Note
This interview with Edward French, conducted by Anna Henry on October 7, 2011, as part of the University of Maine project, “Assessing Vulnerability and Resilience in Maine Fishing Communities,” provides a comprehensive look into the history, changes, and future of Eastport, Maine, particularly in relation to its fishing industry. French discusses his personal involvement in the fisheries, including handlining, tub trawling, lobstering, and scalloping, and his coverage of the industry for the Quoddy Tides newspaper. He shares his perspective on the community's attitude towards newcomers and the tension that sometimes arises between long-time residents and those who have recently moved in. French also addresses the changes in housing affordability in Eastport, attributing the increase in housing prices to the housing boom in the late '80s and more recently. He identifies the loss of fish processing as a significant challenge for the community, likening it to the struggles faced by other Maine communities that have lost natural resource-based industries. French shares his vision for the future of Eastport, predicting a continued struggle but also a shift towards a more creative economy that coexists with traditional industries like fisheries and tourism. He expresses his appreciation for the authenticity and independence of Eastport and its residents. The interview also covers the boom and bust cycles of Eastport, with French highlighting major projects and proposals that have shaped the community's history and attitudes, including shipping and shipbuilding, sardine packing, the Quoddy Dam tidal project, an oil refinery, a coal fire generating plant, and an LNG terminal. French discusses the representation and organization of commercial fishermen in Eastport, mentioning the Maine Lobstermen's Association and the Downeast Lobstermen's Association as examples. He also discusses the conflicts that sometimes arise between different fisheries, such as lobster fishing and scallop dragging, due to gear conflicts. French provides his perspective on the economic status of fishermen in Eastport, stating that full-time fishermen in robust fisheries like lobstering and scalloping have seen improvements in some ways. He contrasts this with the past when fisheries were almost a subsistence type of economy, helping families get through the winter. Overall, this interview provides a comprehensive and insightful look into the history, changes, and future of Eastport, Maine, particularly in relation to its fishing industry, through the eyes of a lifelong resident and active participant in the industry.